Do I Need To Make An Appointment At Merson? Or Can I Just Drop By?

During peak seasons (September to December and March to May), it is strongly recommended that you make an appointment to avoid long waits. While walk-ins are always accepted, keep in mind that appointments are prioritized.

In the off-season (January to February and June to August), an appointment is still recommended, but not essential.

215 – This number is the tire width, in millimeters, at its widest point

65 – This is the aspect ratio, comparing the tire’s height to its width, as a percentage. In this case, the height of the tire is 65% of its width.

R – This refers to how the tire is constructed. R means radial, which is the case for almost all cars on the road today.

15 – This number tells you the diameter of the wheel that your tire will fit.

96 – This number is an indicator of how much weight a tire can carry, according to a standard load capacity chart.

V – This is the speed rating, indicating the maximum speed the tire can go given its load factor. This takes into account many variables, including tire wear and cornering ability.

Anything else you’d like to know about your tires? Send us an email or a Facebook note.

How Do I Determine the Size of My Tire?

The first question you’ll be asked when purchasing new tires is, “What size do you need?”

On the side of your tire, you’ll see a set of numbers that have three digits, followed by two digits, followed by the letter “R”, and then two more digits. This is your tire size.

2-3 more digits and one letter indicate the load index and speed rating of your tire follow your tire size. You need to take note of this entire series of numbers.

A typical tire size might appear like this: 205/55R16 91H or 235/65R17 103H. If you can’t locate this number on your tires, it can also be found on the driver’s doorframe.

How Much Will My Tires Cost?

Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive, your driving habits, and the type of tire you wish to purchase. We encourage you to visit us, call us or e-mail us for an estimate.

How Often Should I Check The Tire Pressure? How Do I Know What The Correct Tire Pressure Should Be?

We recommend you check your tire pressure every two weeks, or each time you buy gas. On most cars, the correct tire pressure is printed inside the driver’s doorframe. If you’re not sure, feel free to come in and ask us.

Why And When Do I Need To Rotate My Tires?

Regular tire rotation helps even out the wear of all four tires, improves handling, traction and mileage. Tires should be rotated approximately every 6,000 km.

How Often Do I Need To Change My Oil?

Regular oil changes are a key component of routine car maintenance. We recommend you have your oil changed every 6,000 km, or in accordance with the car manufacturer’s specifications.

Why Do I Need Winter Tires?

When the temperature drops below 7°C, summer tires start to lose their elasticity, which results in poorer traction, handling and braking ability. Winter or snow tires are manufactured specifically to perform in colder temperatures and in snowy, icy conditions.

The grooves on new snow tires are about 30% deeper than those on a summer tire. This provides you with better traction on snow, ice, rain or mud – making it much safer for you and everyone else on the road.

In 2008, the province of Quebec passed a law making winter tires mandatory on all passenger vehicles and light trucks between December 15 and March 15. Anyone driving without winter tires between these dates could be fined up to $300.

How Do I Know If My Tires Are Winter Tires?

Look for an illustration of a mountain and snowflake on the sidewall of the tires. Most winter tires have this. There are a few exceptions, however, which we will be happy to explain during your next visit.

Can I Drive On My Winter Tires All Year Long Instead Of Changing Them?

Winter tires are made of a softer rubber compound than summer tires. They will wear down faster in hot and dry conditions.

While it’s not dangerous to drive on winter tires all year long, it is recommended that you change them for summer tires in the spring in order to increase the life of your winter tires.

However, if you don’t drive long distances in the summer, you may opt to leave your winter tires on all year long. If you’re unsure, come by and ask us.

Are My Winter Tires And My Summer Tires Always The Same Size?

It’s quite common for winter and summer tires to be different sizes. Often a smaller tire is installed in the winter to decrease the cost of the tires and give your car better traction on ice and snow.

At Merson, we’re happy to let you know which summer and winter tires will work best for your car.

What Brands Of Tires Does Merson Sell?

We sell tires for all cars, SUVs and light trucks, including runflat (zero pressure) and high performance tires. Our expert technicians specialize in tire installation and balancing on high-performance vehicles, using state-of-the-art equipment.

If we don’t have your preferred tire in stock, we can usually get it within a few hours. We also have an excellent selection of quality used tires.

What Do I Do With My Extra Set Of Tires?

Our convenient Tire Storage Service saves you the hassle of storing the tires yourself and transporting them back and forth each season.

Why Does Merson Fill Tires With Nitrogen?

Nitrogen offers several advantages compared to air:

More stability, since nitrogen is not affected by changes in outside temperature

Better handling and longer tire life by maintaining proper pressure

Savings at the pump, since a properly filled tire is more fuel-efficient

If your tires need a little top-up between visits, there’s no problem adding the air from the pump found at your local gas station. Then, at your convenience, come see us for a nitrogen refill.

And don’t forget: we inflate your tires with nitrogen free-of-charge with every tire purchase or installation.

How Often Should I Have An Alignment?

We recommend doing an alignment once a year. And after any accident or hard impact on your car (e.g. hitting a pothole or curb).

If your car seems to be pulling to one side or “wandering” while driving on a flat, straight road, this is a sign that it needs an alignment.

A proper alignment ensures the wheels and suspension are adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Aligned wheels maximize tire life and allow your vehicle to track straight. A misalignment can result in excessive or uneven tire wear and steering problems, as well as increased fuel consumption.

How Do I Know When I Need New Tires?

To the untrained eye, it’s not always easy to know when new tires are needed. If your tires look old, if the tread is looking a bit worn or if you’re just unsure, come by and talk to one of our tire experts. We will:

Assess the condition of your current tires by looking at tread depth and cracking

Advise you on the best tires for your vehicle, should your current ones require replacing

Provide you with information on proper care and maintenance for your tires

Answer any questions you may have

Keeping your tires in good condition is one of the most important contributors to safe driving. Well-maintained tires will also save you money at the pump.